Athletics hoping added depth will drive championship run

The Grande Prairie Athletics are eyeing a North Peace Hockey League title in 2017/18.

The team hits the ice September 19 for their first skate and workout.

Only one player has confirmed they will not be returning this season and a handful of new players have expressed interest in suiting up for the Athletics.

“Dave Larsen more or less told us that he’s done kind of thing. That’s about it, we got lots of guys coming back. Just about all the guys are coming back,” said Maurice Trudeau, President of the Grande Prairie Athletics. “Plus, I don’t want to mention any names, but there is about five or six people that have got a hold of me that have played some pretty good hockey in their day. They’ve moved here for work and stuff like that. They definitely want to come out and try playing for the A’s.”

Trudeau says after their first year back following a one-year hiatus, they are ready to compete.

“We had a few growing pains last year and all that, but we had very good people on board. It was a good learning [experience], we got lots of good systems in place. We also hired Glen Watson as our head coach. We’re just going to carry on with our head down and our feet running, and just go after a championship.”

The season starts in mid-October. The official schedule has yet to be released by the league.

The Athletics are looking for volunteers and board members. Anyone interested can contact Maurice Trudeau at 780-518-5137.